This is an interview about The Legendary Mo Seto, presented in partnership* with A. Y. Chan and The Children’s Book Review.
In this captivating interview, A. Y. Chan, the author of The Legendary Mo Seto, shares insights into the inspiration behind her debut novel. Drawing from her own childhood experiences in taekwondo, Chan explores the themes of self-discovery, cultural identity, and the importance of martial arts in fostering mental health and personal growth. Through the protagonist Mo Seto, Chan delves into the complexities of navigating between American and Chinese heritage, highlighting the significance of embracing one’s cultural legacy.
The interview also touches upon the role of supportive friendships, the balance between obedience and independence, and the empowering message of perseverance in the face of self-doubt. With a hint at an upcoming sequel set in Hong Kong, Chan leaves readers eagerly anticipating more of Mo Seto’s adventures!
Dr. Jen Harrison: Could you share a glimpse into the inspiration behind The Legendary Mo Seto? Perhaps a hint about your personal martial arts journey or a favorite movie that sparked the plot?
A. Y. Chan (AYC): When I was six years old, my mom told me: “Girls need to learn to protect themselves.” She enrolled me in taekwondo classes, and, being an obedient kid, I went along with it. The only time I ever used my skill outside of the dojang was in fifth grade when a bigger, stronger-looking boy accused me of lying about knowing martial arts. He mocked me during recess and demanded I prove it to him. And so, being the obedient kid I was, I obliged.
I can still remember the feeling of my foot hitting his cheek (sorry, Jim!). It took three other kids to hold him back from coming after me. I don’t condone this kind of behavior and I know it was wrong of me to kick him (even though he asked me to), but two positive things did come of this. 1. He never picked on me again. 2. He inspired a character in my story: Mo’s nemesis, Dax.
Mo uses her Tae Kwon Do to manage her insecurities about herself and her family. Do you think physical sports are helpful for young people’s mental health?
AYC: Absolutely! Not only do physical sports help manage stress, but it also fosters a sense of camaraderie with peers. Taekwondo became an important part of how I grew up. It was something that challenged and excited me. When I was having a bad day or feeling down about myself, I could escape those thoughts and worries at the dojang and just focus on the physical sensations of punching and kicking (and the pain of fifty knuckle pushups). Of course, mental health is complex and needs to be addressed professionally, but physical sports can be beneficial.
Mo does an excellent job of balancing her American and Chinese heritage. What is the overall message of the story about belonging and finding one’s identity?
AYC: I wanted to write from the perspective of an Asian kid born in North America. Mo, like me, isn’t defined by being Chinese or by being American, but something, somewhere in between. In my story, Mo doesn’t necessarily feel like she needs culture, but it’s not up to her because it’s inside of her, in her legacy and blood, whether she knows (or wants) it or not. She learns to appreciate the knowledge and power of her ancestors and uses these teachings to strengthen her own confidence and sense of identity.
Nacho is the quintessential best friend—endlessly patient and supportive. Is he based on someone you know?
AYC: I had such a great time writing Nacho’s character. I pulled aspects of him from different people, such as my sister and her corny jokes, a friend’s nerdy (in the best way) awkwardness, my cousin’s love of photography… But really, I wanted him to be a foil for Mo—the caution to her impulsivity, the calm to her storm. Above all, Nacho is Mo’s rock—patient, loyal, steadfast. We could all benefit from having a Nacho in our lives.
If you would like readers to change one aspect of their mindset after reading this novel, what would it be?
AYC: That girls shouldn’t/can’t/don’t need to do martial arts! I’ll go so far as to say that I feel like it ought to be mandatory for girls (all kids, really) to practice martial arts—any kind. It trains not only self-protection, but also integrity, respect, self-control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit*.
*I love the word indomitable spirit. It conjures up an image of someone standing proud and tall (metaphorically), unwilling to accept defeat, and filled with love and courage and hope. I had this word in mind when I wrote Mo’s character.
The cover art for the book is fantastic. Please tell us a little about the artwork and how you imagine the fight scenes in the book.
AYC: The cover artist is the impossibly talented Amber Ren. Her artwork is beautifully fluid and draws the eye with its striking colors and unique textures. Mo is captured in all her high-kicking glory, just as she’s described in the book.
When writing the fight scenes, I drew inspiration from martial arts movie fights… Though, if you’ve ever seen one, you’ll know just how spectacularly over the top they are. Everything goes flying—people, plates, potted plants, puppies! Unfortunately, I had to temper down my fight scenes quite a bit to make them even remotely believable. I’m eager to see a dim sum restaurant fight scene in print, however. You can imagine all the fun things that might be flung about. Dumplings! Bamboo steamers! Scalding hot teapots! Food trollies!
Mo wouldn’t have learned to love herself if she had followed her parents’ wishes about leaving Xiaoxi-shu alone. What would you like readers to learn from the story about the balance between obedience and independence?
AYC: Mo’s parents set rules to protect her. Mo breaks these rules to test her limits and exert her growing independence. Rules? Orders? Bah. They just get in the way. This is a rite of passage for both Mo and her parents (and all parents and children). What I feel is most important is that both sides keep an open mind, lead with a loving heart, and learn valuable lessons from each other.
What advice do you have for readers who feel like they are just not good enough?
AYC: You’re not alone! Also, You’re wrong. A little about me: My math is atrocious—I took an accounting class and could never get the sides to balance. I hate public speaking because my brain freezes up, and I end up looking like a confused mannequin. I thought I could never finish a book, and then I thought I could never get it published…
I can’t even count the number of times I’ve felt I wasn’t good enough. But what I’ve learned is that I’m the only one holding myself back. Whatever your goal might be, with patience and practice, you’ll get there. It might not be today or tomorrow, but if it means enough to you, you will succeed. (Unless it’s accounting. I’ll give you a pass on accounting).
What other favorite “fight” stories would you recommend to readers who have enjoyed The Legendary Mo Seto?
AYC: Some terrific middle grade stories about kids who must fight for what they want and learn to believe in themselves (and with a dash of sports thrown in) include Ghost by Jason Reynolds, The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, Takedown by Laura Shovan, and Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang.
What comes next? Do you have any other writing projects in the pipeline for readers who have enjoyed The Legendary Mo Seto?
AYC: Yes! I have written the draft for the second book of the Mo series, where she finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime in Hong Kong. This story just miiiight contain an epic dim sum fight scene. Stay tuned!
About the Book
Written by A. Y. Chan
Ages 8-12 | 320 Pages
Publisher: Aladdin (2024) | ISBN-13: 9781665937320
Publisher’s Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Modesty “Mo” Seto dreams of being a taekwondo champion. Even though her mom disapproves, Mo can always count on her dad, who is her number one fan and biggest supporter. Lately, Mo has been on a losing streak, and it doesn’t help that she keeps losing to her archnemesis, Dax, who’s much bigger than her. If only she were faster, stronger, not so petite. Mo can’t even lean on her dad like usual with how distracted he’s been lately.
When Mo learns about the chance to audition to star alongside her idol and legendary martial artist and movie star Cody Kwok, she knows this is her chance to prove to her dad, to the world, and to herself that she can compete with anyone, no matter her size. Unfortunately, Dax is auditioning, too. As Mo and her nemesis progress to callbacks, someone attempts to sabotage the movie set and Mo’s dad disappears—and both events seem linked to a mysterious book, the Book of Joy.
The book contains information on a secret dance-like martial art developed by Mo’s ancestral grandmother. Armed with these secret moves and an unexpected ally, Mo embarks on a high-octane adventure to rescue her father, save the movie, and discover an unexpected joy in being small.
The Legendary Mo Seto is a touching but action-packed coming-of-age tale, perfect for readers who love action, mystery, and immersion in a good fight scene.
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About the Author
A. Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area, reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.
For more information, visit www.aychanwrites.com.
This interview—An Interview with A. Y. Chan, Creator of ‘The Legendary Mo Seto‘—was conducted between A. Y. Chan and Dr. Jen Harrison.
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